INDIGENOUS DATA SOVEREIGNTY INITIATIVES
This portal shares documents from a three-part workshop series on Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS), hosted and co-developed by Q’ul-lhanumutsun Aquatic Resources Society (QARS), the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG), and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
The series was convened in response to a consistent message from First Nations: there is a need for clearer expectations and responsibilities for how Indigenous Nations’ data and Indigenous Knowledge are accessed, used, protected, and governed—including how safeguards and respectful practices are understood and applied within collaborative work and within institutions such as DFO. The workshops created space for shared learning and practical discussion about IDS concepts and approaches that can better support Indigenous rights, priorities, and protocols in data governance.
These materials are shared below to support transparency, learning, and continued dialogue related to Indigenous Data Sovereignty.
Workshop Summary Reports (Workshops 1–3)
Summaries of each session’s content, including key discussion themes and takeaways.
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Workshop 1: Indigenous Data and Indigenous Knowledge Sovereignty Collaboration
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Workshop 2: Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Data Sovereignty
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Workshop 3: Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Data Sovereignty
Indigenous Data Sovereignty Literature Review
A companion reference that synthesizes relevant literature, concepts, and frameworks that informed the series.
Cross-Canada First Nations Data Sovereignty Task Force
Building on the earlier Indigenous Data Sovereignty workshops and related work, the Cross-Canada First Nations Data Sovereignty Task Force brings together First Nations fisheries and marine stewardship organizations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in a multi-year process to co-develop departmental policy and guidance on Indigenous data sovereignty.
The work is focused on developing clearer roles and responsibilities for how DFO interacts with First Nations data—including how data are requested, accessed, interpreted, used, shared, protected, and governed. Year 1 established the foundation for this work by bringing together previous findings, identifying key themes, and developing draft principles to guide broader engagement and policy co-development in Year 2.
This work is directly connected to UNDA Action Plan Shared Priorities Measure 30 on Indigenous data sovereignty and connects with Shared Priorities Measure 40, including the respectful use and safeguarding of Indigenous Knowledge.
Year 1 Reports
Laying the Groundwork: Thematic Synthesis, Draft Principles, and Year 2 Engagement Guidance
This full Year 1 report brings together findings from earlier workshops, a broader source review, and Task Force discussion to identify key themes, draft engagement principles, and priorities for the next phase of engagement and policy co-development.
Briefing Summary: Year 1 Findings and Draft Principles
This shorter briefing provides an accessible overview of the main Year 1 findings, emerging themes, and draft engagement principles.
